How-to: Faceplate install procedure for Blackberry Curve

Crimsom Red faceplate install procedure for Blackberry Curve

Not everybody likes YouTube… me for one. I prefer a good website with still photo’s with “written” instructions. Some of us like myself can’t hear, (legally deaf) so video’s doesn’t always work… hence this website with instruction on taking off and putting on a faceplate for a BlackBerry Curve. You can do like I did… use YoutTube YouTube - Blackberry Curve 8300 Screen Removal & Take Apart to get an idea and then this guide here for details.

Here is the titanium gray & crimson red compared before I start.


Here are the tools I needed. Clean area and table that is dust free. Canned air to keep the screen and lcd clean, Torx T5, (hard to find smaller than T8, Lowes & Home Depot had them) magnifying glasses, credit card for working the faceplate loose, (you really need the prying tool as I will explain later).


Step 1: Now take off the battery cover…


…and take the battery out:


Step 2: Now pry the bottom cover off. This can be a bit tricky. You see even on Youtube, the guy slipped twice trying to get the cover off from the front. Start with the back, that pops out easy enough then go to the front and “carefully” pry it out. Don’t force it. I didn’t like the screwdriver, so I used my wife’s plastic nail cuticle tool for that. Start with the back, it pops out easy enough… then do the front. It takes a little more effort on the front to pop off.


Step 3: Here is where you need that Torx T5 tool. If you have the proper tool like the one shown, it comes out very easily. There are only two screws to be taken out, both at the top.




Step 4: Now use the credit card or guitar pick to “carefully” go all around to loosen it, then “gently” pry it out. After trying the credit card trick and struggling with that getting one side off, I found why the prying tool is important to have and I would heavily recommend it. You have two tabs with a lip at the end… so the prying tool will help you pry that out right. Using the credit card or guitar pick will help, but on one side you’ll notice the other side is snagging because of the angle. If your not careful, you’ll pull the tab loop inside out and part of the LCD lens bracket will lift out. It happened to me! Fortunately, I was able to put it back where it was with no damage. This is why I recommend that prying tool . I couldn’t find one anywhere in town so you’ll have to order it online:


Here you see it coming apart. Even on YouTube, he even had some trouble with one side using the prying tool. Be careful of the gasket that goes around the LCD lens bracket. Mine lifted in a couple spots. This gasket keeps the dust out.


This is that lip I’m talking about and why you need the prying tool:


Here it is, everything all apart and ready to install the new crimson red faceplate.


Step 5: IMPORTANT: PATIENCE is the key word here!
Before installing the faceplate make sure ALL the dust &: fingerprints are off the LCD lens & faceplate screen. Double-check it against bright light at different angles. You’ll be surprised at the smudges & dust particles you’ll find.
Use lens cleaning cloth and finish with canned air “lightly”.

Step 4, 3, 2 & 1: To reinstall the faceplate, simply reverse the procedure listed above, 4, 3, 2, 1.

It was pretty easy to put back on. Everything snapped back in place. It was taking it apart that was harder.

Here is the results! I’m happy!


I hope this helps some of you BlackBerry folks thinking of putting on a faceplate!

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